MI unemployment rate drops to 6.3 percent, lowest since November 2002

LANSING, MI – Michigan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in December dropped over the month by four-tenths of a percentage point to 6.3 percent, according to data released today by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget.

The state unemployment rate dropped 10 out of 12 months during 2014 and is at its lowest point since November 2002.

“The continuing drop in Michigan’s unemployment rate is both an affirmation and a call to action. Finishing the year with the lowest unemployment rate in more than 12 years shows we are on the right path as our economy is growing stronger with an environment that is creating more and better jobs,” said Gov. Rick Snyder.

Total employment rose in December by 21,000 as the number of unemployed dropped by 21,000. From December 2013 to December 2014, the number of unemployed in the state fell by 89,000 or 23 percent. This drop outpaced the nationwide reduction of 16.3 percent over the same period.

“Steve Arwood, in leadership positions in my administration, has demonstrated a real feel for what it takes to grow our economy and his appointment to chair MSF is important to our continuing reinvention of Michigan,” Snyder said. “We are committed to bringing our state workforce capabilities to new levels of excellence. Steve’s service will be vital to our success.”

To learn more about Snyder’s plans for continuing to move Michigan forward, visit here.